Planning commission approves Sheath Automotive site plan with reduced buffer and tree-preservation conditions

The Town of Ratanellis commission voted unanimously to approve a site plan for Sheath Automotive at 4711 Savannah Highway, allowing the applicant to substitute an eight-foot landscaped buffer (with a privacy fence) where the commercial corridor overlay typically requires a larger setback and fence combination.

Planning staff told the commission the proposed use is automotive repair and maintenance (NAICS 81111) on parcel TMS 2450000139, in the general business zoning district. The staff report found the site plan generally compliant with dimensional standards, parking location, screening and parking-lot landscaping, but recommended that signage and building design be submitted and approved as conditions of the permit.

Kevin Coffey, of Lowcountry Land Development Consultants, identified himself as the applicant representative and said he was present to answer questions. Staff and commissioners discussed the substitution request; staff said the code allows, in some cases, a waiver substituting a privacy fence for a larger landscape buffer but that the planning commission must grant the waiver. The applicant asked for an eight-foot buffer instead of the overlay’s typical 15-foot buffer plus a six-foot privacy fence.

Commissioners also noted environmental and site constraints: staff highlighted three mature trees that the plans preserve and confirmed the rear setback includes a septic drip field with an existing septic tank on the lot. Staff said any tree removal would require mayoral approval.

After discussion, a motion to approve the site plan “as proposed, along with the fencing” passed on a roll call in which all present voted "Aye." The commission’s action included the staff-recommended conditions: site-plan approval subject to planning and zoning administrator sign-off, screening of trash containers, restrictions on outside storage and vehicle types, limitations on outdoor repair and dismantling, and requirements that all vehicles on site be fully licensed and registered. Sign and building-design details were left to be submitted under the conditions of approval.

At the meeting the commission also approved minutes from the prior meeting by unanimous vote. No members of the public were recorded making comments during the public-comment portion of the agenda. The commission announced its next meeting for June 5 (first Thursday in June).